About Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin
Number of accommodations: 1
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
Site Details
Reviews (86)
What Guests Are Saying
Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin offers a beautiful and cozy retreat in a peaceful wooded setting, ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities. Guests appreciated the well-kept cabin and the fantastic woodstove, though some noted the need to bring their own bedding and water, as well as the cabin's ongoing improvements and limited solar power. Overall, it's recommended for those seeking a rustic camping experience at an affordable price.
What Guests Are Saying
Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin offers a beautiful and cozy retreat in a peaceful wooded setting, ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities. Guests appreciated the well-kept cabin and the fantastic woodstove, though some noted the need to bring their own bedding and water, as well as the cabin's ongoing improvements and limited solar power. Overall, it's recommended for those seeking a rustic camping experience at an affordable price.
Review Summary
Thomas W
VerifiedDecember 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
Drove through 10 inches of snow to get there. But it was a perfect gift to my mom for her birthday! Loved it and most likely will do it again next year
Thomas W
VerifiedDecember 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
Drove through 10 inches of snow to get there. But it was a perfect gift to my mom for her birthday! Loved it and most likely will do it again next year
Rebecca P
VerifiedDecember 8, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
The only downside was that I found out after getting there that the propane stove doesn’t accept 1 gallon tanks, but we had enough firewood that we were able to cook outside with no issues.
Rebecca P
VerifiedDecember 8, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
The only downside was that I found out after getting there that the propane stove doesn’t accept 1 gallon tanks, but we had enough firewood that we were able to cook outside with no issues.
Monte S
VerifiedOctober 6, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
We were very pleased to see how clean the cabin was and that the additional area where the beds in the garage were was also cleaned up. Two years ago that area was unusable, and the cabin had been taken over by mice. Somebody took the time to thoroughly clean all of the sleeping areas up, including the kitchen area. We also remembered to bring the right tools to hook up the propane because the connection has been stripped over by previous users. It was a great experience, had great weather, and really enjoyed our stay. Hopefully they can preserve the fire tour, if for no other reason, the historical nature of it. Make sure you bring cleaning supplies, a saw or hatchet for firewood, plenty of water, toilet paper, and a vice grips so you can tighten your propane connection. Maybe some Raid for the bees outside (as they didn't get in the cabin). Also, a lantern or flashlight, as you are reliant on the sun to charge the lights in the cabin. We enjoyed Elk Mountain Lookout (you can drive to the fire tower), Little Devil Tower hiking trail, and the Flume Trail (just be prepared to either cross their narrow bridges or walk through the water). We had beautiful nights sitting under the stars (and they were magnificent). This cabin is the best way to stay and enjoy Black Hills.
Monte S
VerifiedOctober 6, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
We were very pleased to see how clean the cabin was and that the additional area where the beds in the garage were was also cleaned up. Two years ago that area was unusable, and the cabin had been taken over by mice. Somebody took the time to thoroughly clean all of the sleeping areas up, including the kitchen area. We also remembered to bring the right tools to hook up the propane because the connection has been stripped over by previous users. It was a great experience, had great weather, and really enjoyed our stay. Hopefully they can preserve the fire tour, if for no other reason, the historical nature of it. Make sure you bring cleaning supplies, a saw or hatchet for firewood, plenty of water, toilet paper, and a vice grips so you can tighten your propane connection. Maybe some Raid for the bees outside (as they didn't get in the cabin). Also, a lantern or flashlight, as you are reliant on the sun to charge the lights in the cabin. We enjoyed Elk Mountain Lookout (you can drive to the fire tower), Little Devil Tower hiking trail, and the Flume Trail (just be prepared to either cross their narrow bridges or walk through the water). We had beautiful nights sitting under the stars (and they were magnificent). This cabin is the best way to stay and enjoy Black Hills.
Tyler M
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
Rented the cabin for a night on our anniversary vacation. When we finally got to the cabin there were other people thete just "chillin" in the front yard and parked in front of the outhouse. They said they didn't have a reservation when I asked them if we were double booked. They didn't seem to want to leave after 3 hours of me waiting so finally I just left. I called the parks services to see if we were double booked before talking to the squatters and got no awnser. I've called multiple times through the week to tell the parks services and get a refund with no response back. ALSO: THIER IS NO LOOKOUT ANYMORE SO THAT WAS A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT ON TOP OF IT ALL.
Tyler M
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
Rented the cabin for a night on our anniversary vacation. When we finally got to the cabin there were other people thete just "chillin" in the front yard and parked in front of the outhouse. They said they didn't have a reservation when I asked them if we were double booked. They didn't seem to want to leave after 3 hours of me waiting so finally I just left. I called the parks services to see if we were double booked before talking to the squatters and got no awnser. I've called multiple times through the week to tell the parks services and get a refund with no response back. ALSO: THIER IS NO LOOKOUT ANYMORE SO THAT WAS A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT ON TOP OF IT ALL.
Linda C
VerifiedSeptember 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
We loved the peace and quiet.
We wished there were mattresses like they have in other camping cabins; even though we brought foam pads, the beds were hard!
We would definitely go again!
Linda C
VerifiedSeptember 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
We loved the peace and quiet.
We wished there were mattresses like they have in other camping cabins; even though we brought foam pads, the beds were hard!
We would definitely go again!
Location Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin
Address:
Hell Canyon Ranger District, 1019 North 5th Street
Custer, SD, 57730
United States
Entrance into the cabin is by combination lock. Prior to your arrival please contact the Hell Canyon Ranger District, Monday - Friday between 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Mountain Time, at 605-673-9200 to obtain the combination.
From Newcastle, Wyoming, travel east on US Highway 16 for approximately 9 miles to Forest Service Road 117, Boles Canyon Road. Go North on Boles Canyon Road for approximately 12 miles and turn left on Forest Service Road 265, Summit Road. Follow Summit Road for approximately three miles to the Summit Ridge Cabin which is on the left.
Note that Boles Canyon Road and Summit Road do not receive any maintenance during winter months, including snow plowing.
The nearest major road is US Highway 16, located approximately 9 miles to the west of the cabin. Access to the cabin is via Boles Canyon Road, which connects to US Highway 16.
Latitude & Longitude: 43.8542 / -104.052
Elevation: 1858 feet
Policies & Rules
General
- NOTICE; We are currently making cabin improvements. Thank you for your understanding, We hope you have a great stay.
- Check out time is at 11:00 a.m. and check in time is 2:00 p.m. Please be considerate of other renters, arrive and leave the cabin at appropriate times.
- Entrance into the cabin is by combination lock; Call the district office at 605-673-9200 Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. except on weekends and governement holildays. Refunds will not be approved for failing to get cabin combination after business hours or on weekends or hoilidays.
- Walk-up stays are never available at this facility. Advanced reservations only, minimum three days before arrival
- Fire restrictions may apply to outdoor fire ring use; check current fire restrictions prior to arrival
- Keep the building and grounds clean to deter squirrel, mice, rats,and other wildlife from area
- Clean the cabin and pack out all trash, Including food
- Doors and windows should be locked and all personal items removed upon departure
- The cabin is a no-smoking facility
- Learn more about Black Hills National Forest.
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
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Last updated: June 4, 2026